Eagles’ Cooper DeJean Gets Honest About A.J. Brown

The Philadelphia Eagles’ standout cornerback Cooper DeJean is looking forward to a competitive showdown against his former teammate, AJ Brown.

During a live podcast recording with Reed Blankenship at Fanatics Fest in New York City on Saturday, July 18, DeJean openly expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming matchup.

“I would love to go against him,” DeJean said. “I know he’d love to go against us too, so it’d be a fun battle.”

The opportunity for that on-field clash is approaching sooner than expected. The New England Patriots recently confirmed they will welcome the Eagles for two days of joint practice sessions scheduled for August 19 and August 20.

Following those workouts, the two teams will face each other in a preseason contest on Saturday, August 22. This matchup represents their sole regular encounter this season outside of any potential Super Bowl showdown.

Although the preseason game itself may feature limited playing time for key starters, the joint practices are expected to provide plenty of chances for direct competition between DeJean and Brown. These sessions promise intense moments reminiscent of their earlier days together on the Eagles roster.

Their history of spirited battles dates back to last year, as DeJean prepared for his sophomore campaign in the league. At that time, the two-time All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown shared with the media his ambition to support DeJean in achieving All-Pro recognition during the 2026 season, sparking a series of competitive drills between the pair.

DeJean successfully met that challenge in 2025. Beyond earning a spot in the Pro Bowl, the young defensive back secured First-team All-Pro honors, further strengthening his growing reputation in the NFL.

DeJean’s professional journey began when the Eagles chose him with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Hailing from the University of Iowa, he brought a solid collegiate foundation to Philadelphia.

Over his three seasons with the Hawkeyes, DeJean accumulated 120 tackles and seven interceptions. His transition to the professional level was seamless, as he quickly carved out a significant role in the Eagles’ defense that ultimately contributed to a Super Bowl triumph in his rookie year.

In the 2024 regular season, DeJean appeared in 16 games and earned nine starts. He recorded 51 tackles, including three for loss, along with six pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.

Although he did not intercept any passes during the regular season that year, DeJean delivered a crucial pick in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win against the Kansas City Chiefs, adding a memorable highlight to his debut campaign.

The following year proved even more productive for the defensive standout. DeJean started all 16 games in 2025, finishing with 93 tackles, four for loss, 16 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

This trajectory underscores DeJean’s rapid development into one of the league’s top cornerbacks. His ability to rise to challenges, including those set by teammates like Brown, highlights the competitive culture within the Eagles organization.

As the joint practices and preseason game draw near, fans and analysts alike anticipate seeing how these former teammates push each other to new heights on the field. The encounters are sure to offer valuable preparation for both sides heading into the regular season.

Overall, this upcoming week of collaboration and competition between the Eagles and Patriots serves as more than just standard preseason activities. It represents a chance for players like DeJean to test their skills against familiar foes in a setting that blends teamwork with individual battles.